What price the Grizzly, in oil-rich Alberta?

Calgary, Alberta — The Alberta Wilderness Association is drawing attention to the plight of Grizzly Bears, evidenced by a lone bear seeking sanctuary at the Calgary Zoo, perhaps the last safe place for Grizzlies in Alberta.

Alberta's Grizzly population stands at less than 500 bears. Nigel Douglas, conservation specialist for the Wilderness Association, made this statement:

"Tomorrow, Premier Stelmach will speak to Albertans about how billions of dollars will be carved up between the oil companies and government.

"We fear that once again, a Premier of this province will have nothing to say about how resource development is carving up the wild lands of Alberta with devastating effect.

"Last week, Sustainable Resource minister Ted Morton did show some understanding of the issues facing grizzly bears but the response was limited, to put it mildly.

"The Grizzly was not put on the endangered list. Any actions were of a token nature.

"Most telling, there was not one new cent committed by the Minister to save the Grizzly, probably the best indicator of how little this matters to Government."

The Lands of Alberta are in Trouble

"The magnificent Grizzly is only the most prominent example of species under attack in Alberta. The list of those in danger is a long one, ranging from the woodland caribou to the ferruginous hawk to the sand verbena plant.

"In reality, there is only one way to save the Grizzly and these other species and that is to protect habitat.

"The Alberta Wilderness Association will be taking our case to Albertans with the hope that we can galvanize public support to protect the Grizzly. We’ll have more to say about our campaign plans in the coming weeks.

"In the meantime, the Province shows no sign that it takes conservation seriously. This has tragic repercussions for the wild lands and wildlife of Alberta as well as the quality of life for future generations of Albertans.

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